Third Concertmaster Departs Amid New LA Phil Crisis

Earlier this week, LA Philharmonic musicians learned that their Canadian concertmaster, Martin Chalifour, will be leaving at the end of the season. In response, a chamber music concert has been quickly organized in his honor for November 23. Chalifour, 63, joined the LA Phil under Esa-Pekka Salonen and has held the first chair for thirty years.

Gustavo Dudamel praised Chalifour, saying, "He sets the example for the orchestra every day with his skill, taste, knowledge, consistency, and deep love of music. I am so grateful to have one more season with Martin by my side, and wish him all the happiness in the world as he enters this next chapter."

Chalifour’s sudden departure has triggered a concertmaster crisis. Of the LA Phil’s four concertmasters, Nathan Cole has already left for Boston, and his wife Akiko Tarumoto is expected to join him there. With Chalifour now leaving, only Bing Wang remains, who is known to be a favorite of John Williams. The LA Phil now faces the challenge of promoting or hiring three concertmasters in a very short time.